Do you know what you want to do next? Has your desire to find productive, fulfilling work driven you to explore your passions more seriously? Career transitions offer the best opportunities for self-discovery—while you’re highly-motivated and actively seeking something “more” in your work life. Take advantage of this moment in time to invest in yourself.

What if you don’t make the effort now to identify your passions and preferences? Chances are you’ll make the same familiar work choices—again. As Albert Einstein observed, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Entertain new possibilities.

Make your passions and possibilities visible

Several useful tools will help you get a window into your passions. First, give yourself the space and time away from the daily distractions. Do the exercises from the heart and quiet the rational mind (for now.) The means you choose should allow your creativity free flow.

1. Brainstorming. Start by posing a question. The plan is to gather a large quantity of ideas. Give your imagination free rein. Jot down your ideas. Resist the urge to jump ahead, classify and evaluate. Research and reality checks come later.

2. Mind mapping*. For those of you who like to draw, sketch and doodle—no artistic ability needed—mind mapping is just the thing. On a large pad or sheet of paper using colored pencils, crayons or markers, start with a central idea—such as your love of writing. Use a strong image to represent it.

Create main branches from that center using keywords and images, one per branch—such as ideas about where you can develop your talent. Create sub-branches and so on.

Visualize the possibilities. Draw freely, expansively. Associations between ideas will reveal themselves.

Techies may prefer mind mapping software (search on Google or the Open Directory Project (DMOZ.)  *Note: Mind mapping was invented by Tony Buzan.

3. Collage. A powerful visual tool. The mind relates to images. Clip and assemble photos and words from magazines, newspapers and online sources. Glue them on an art board.

Choose materials that relate to what you love doing. Understand what attracted you to the images. Add captions and other thoughts. Try the possibilities “on for size” that you have pictured.

Future posts will discuss how to actualize your passions.

The vitality of thought is in adventure. Ideas won’t keep. Something must be done about them. (Alfred North Whitehead)

Please see our previous posts on the nature of passion, How to Discover Your Passion and Passion for Your Work is a Double-edged Sword.

Today’s question

Your comments are welcome. Are you maximizing this time in your career transition to really look at what you want to do?